Standing before Qiao Yan were precisely Zhang Niujiao and Zhang Yang.

To think that Zhang Yang had once fabricated that his surname ‘Zhang’ was bestowed upon him by Zhang Niujiao; these two indeed seemed to share a certain affinity.

However, Qiao Yan had very different expectations for the two.

Zhang Niujiao had limited vision; at best, he could command a thousand men.

His greatest skill lay not in leading military campaigns but rather in engaging and understanding the mindset of the assimilated mountain bandits.

With Zhang Niujiao acting as a bridge for communication, Qiao Yan could effectively implant her development ideals for Leping subtly among them.

In contrast, her expectations for Zhang Yang were higher.

After all, with Zhang Yang’s bravery, she also relied on him to act as a vanguard.

But a vanguard general also needed sufficient experience and education.

Experience was straightforward.

Cui Lie, the Inspector of Bingzhou, was easy to get along with.

Zhang Liao was an efficient military officer.

Now, the current Prefect of Yanmen was an acquaintance, Guo Yuan.

It wouldn’t be difficult for Qiao Yan to arrange for them to participate regularly in border battles for training.

But education…

Ultimately, it was what she was seeing now: these two fellows, currently studying at the Leping Academy, established systematically over the past two years.

At this moment, they stood facing each other, exchanging glances.

Qiao Yan took the scroll from Guo Jia’s hand and glanced at the neatly written characters, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Guo Jia then asked, “Marquis Qiao, are you following the example of Marquis Baozun in providing education without distinction?”

“Not quite,” Qiao Yan shook her head in response. “In Leping, as we are at the stage of development, with a mixed population, it’s necessary to ensure everyone understands principles, to prevent any resurgence of banditry.

Additionally, over these past two years, I have followed the Emperor’s wishes by focusing on education behind closed doors.

If we can educate the local officials and leaders in these settlements to be literate and knowledgeable, it may prevent the need for punitive measures in the future, hence this arrangement.”

“Secondly, Leping is a small place, and the number of people eligible for household registration privileges is limited. It’s more practical to promote people through examination and assessment.”

Of course, Qiao Yan didn’t mention to Guo Jia at this moment that the examinations in question did not include the answer sheet Zhang Niujiao had just submitted.

These examinations also included three specialized subjects: agriculture, engineering, and medicine.

Passing any one of these categories would suffice; there was no need to force everyone to become scholars.

Considering that most of the academy’s students were not in the county town today but rather in the Fangbu on the mountainside, Qiao Yan smiled and said, “Ruying has many talented individuals, especially in Yingchuan. If you, Mr.Guo Jia, don’t mind my Leping Academy, why not visit and see for yourself?”

Guo Jia had wanted to learn more about Leping…

the situation, and why would he refuse such a proposal?

He followed the direction indicated by Qiao Yan and saw not far ahead a house that was noticeably taller than its surroundings.

The exposed parts of the building resembled the materials he had seen earlier on the houses and walls on the mountainside.

This piqued his curiosity further, prompting him to approach for a closer look.

As he neared, he became increasingly certain that this was not any kind of conventional building material he had expected.

It resembled a typical earthen wall with a layer of decorative paint applied after solidification.

However, when he absentmindedly tapped on the wall behind it, he realized it was far sturdier than any ordinary earthen wall.

Qiao Yan had clearly chosen to decorate the academy in a discreet and unobtrusive manner, and obviously would not disclose the significance of this structure to him.

Guo Jia’s mind was full of questions, but he could only redirect his gaze to the only elegant feature on the understated exterior of the academy—

The inscription plaque at the entrance.

He had no trouble confirming that the characters on this plaque were written in Cai Yong’s Feibai style.

Cai Yong, a renowned calligrapher of his time, left behind not only private documents but also tomb inscriptions.

Rubbings of his epitaphs had become common among enthusiasts of his calligraphy.

Guo Jia possessed several copies himself, and now he recognized the familiar style.

Just as he was about to inquire if Cai Yong also taught here, he noticed Qiao Yan turning back at that moment, casting a meaningful look towards Zhang Niujiao behind her, indicating an intent to speak with him later.

The expression on her face was quite different from her previous three consecutive kills with arrows, where her shooting was as fierce as a dragon.

Guo Jia couldn’t help but look away and laugh.

In his view, on the territory of Leping, Lady Qiao was clearly more vibrant than she appeared outside.

It was no wonder that the people of Leping County, while admiring her, did not fear her as they would a fierce beast.

He then saw Lady Qiao adjust her expression, leading the way into the gates of Leping Academy.

Guo Jia temporarily set aside his thoughts and followed her inside.

The same materials used for the outer walls were also applied inside the academy, giving the buildings a simple yet somewhat grand appearance.

However, compared to the buildings, Guo Jia found it difficult not to notice the papers posted on either side of the entrance.

The one on the left was perhaps a notice.

Glancing quickly, he noted:

Today’s menu at the academy.

Various departments

A simplified map divided by function—its presentation style was somewhat different from the current format.

Today’s schedule—Guo Jia indeed found Cai Yong’s name listed in it.

As for the paper on the right, occupying the largest space, its title read “August Achievements.”

However, beneath the title, there was a small line reassuring those who didn’t achieve high scores due to written exams not to be discouraged.

Guo Jia guessed this was something similar to the question-and-answer sheets submitted by Zhang Niujiao.

Looking at the paper, he saw the name at the top of the list was Cai Yan, the daughter of Cai Yong.

Guo Jia didn’t think she received any special treatment because of her father, Cai Yong.

However, he couldn’t help but think, with Lady Qiao first and now Cai Yan, wouldn’t everyone soon find Yan to be a perfect name after some time?

Thinking of this literary atmosphere, he couldn’t help but find it amusing.

The second person on the list was Xu Fu. If not for the smaller characters following his name, it would sound somewhat plain.

Looking further down, he found a name he had heard from Lady Qiao before.

“Is this Yang Cai we saw outside the city earlier?” Guo Jia asked.

“Yes, that’s him.”

Upon hearing Lady Qiao’s response, Guo Jia shifted his gaze to the name before “Yang Cai.”

Fu Gan… This was also a name Guo Jia hadn’t heard before.

But for Lady Qiao, Fu Gan’s arrival was particularly significant.

During the chaos in Liangzhou in the fourth year of Zhongping, bandits infiltrated Hanyang, leading to the death of the Prefect of Hanyang, Fu Xie.

Upon suddenly hearing of his death, Lady Qiao couldn’t help but be shocked.

The last time she heard news of Fu Xie was when Cui Lie mentioned it in passing.

He had suggested a simple solution before, even proposing to abandon Liangzhou, which was strongly opposed by Fu Xie at court.

However, with the chaos of Liangzhou bandits sweeping in, it became increasingly difficult for the court to control the situation.

Despite Fu Xie’s loyalty, courage, and administrative ability, he alone could hardly resist Han Sui’s expanding forces after he absorbed his allies.

This situation was different from the gathering of refugees during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and could not be resolved through words alone.

Fu Xie was not one to accept surrender from outside the city, and naturally, the only way left for him was to sacrifice himself for the country.

His death seemed inevitable.

Fu Gan unexpectedly arrived in Leping, escorted by the registrar Yang Hui, after escaping from Hanyang.

The recent death of his father left the thirteen-year-old with a cold and solemn demeanor.

Despite the hardships of the journey and his loss of appetite, he appeared disheveled but remained calm.

When Lady Qiao asked why he had come, he replied, “My father once said, ‘Yang Hui is like Cheng Ying to me.’ His words were true.

If not for Yang Hui risking his life to protect me, I wouldn’t have escaped from Hanyang alive.

Another thing he said was also true.

He said, ‘A son should be like Qiao Ye Shu of Le Ping, truly a remarkable child.’ I want to avenge my father, but I don’t know where to start.

Please forgive my boldness in coming here. I seek Lady Qiao’s guidance on a clear path.”

“I initially intended to join General Huangfu Song, but he’s not currently opposing the main forces of Liangzhou.

Even if he reinstates within a year, if I take revenge hastily, it could cause trouble for the general.”

“I also thought about staying hidden in Liangzhou and finding an opportunity to join someone opposed to Han Sui, but the Liangzhou bandits are too aggressive. Finding such an opportunity might take time.”

“Han Sui decisively killed Beigong Boyu, leaving no remnants for me to sway… If Lady Qiao will accept me, I’m willing to serve her faithfully.”

Fu Gan’s mind was clear, not clouded by revenge.

In historical terms, he followed through with his second plan.

As tensions rose between Ma Teng and Han Sui, amidst the conflict between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, he convinced Ma Teng to attack Guo Yuan, leading Ma Teng to side with Cao Cao.

Fu Gan never anticipated that, six years after Ma Teng took up the position of Commandant of the Guards in the capital, Ma Chao would unite with Han Sui to oppose Cao Cao, resulting in Ma Teng’s death.

Fortunately, Han Sui was ultimately defeated at Weinan and later killed upon his return to Liangzhou by Xiahou Yuan.

From then on, Fu Gan operated as an aide to the Prime Minister.

Now, unable to dissuade his father from returning home and unable to prevent him from sacrificing himself for the country, Fu Gan recalled his father’s praise for Lady Qiao.

He persuaded Yang Hui to bring him to Leping.

To Qiao Yan, Fu Gan appeared not only as a strong young man influenced by Fu Xie but also as a person of excellent character and intellect.

She believed that with proper guidance, he could become a great talent.

Moreover, avenging Fu Xie’s death at the hands of Han Sui and others meant that if Lady Qiao offered him the chance for revenge, he would pledge his loyalty to her to the death.

Before Fu Xie’s death, Fu Gan even dared to speak out against the chaos in the country, showing he wasn’t solely loyal to the Han court.

However, Lady Qiao didn’t make any promises directly.

Instead, she sent him to Leping Academy to foster his growth.

Upon arriving in Leping, Fu Gan witnessed Lady Qiao personally training cavalry and demanding strict mastery of horseback archery and spear techniques.

This further convinced him of his Father Fu Xie’s high praise for Lady Qiao, and he couldn’t refuse her proposal.

In this practical-focused academy, aside from classical teachings, Fu Gan quickly armed himself with knowledge at an astonishing speed.

Lady Qiao was pleased with his progress, but what she was even happier to see was many women from the Heishan Army were recognized for their contributions and registered in Leping.

With the establishment of Leping Academy, Zhang Niujiao and others sought educational advancement, and these women also enrolled in the academy.

Under the guidance of Lu Yuan for basic education and led by Cai Yan as their role model, these women showed that even females could receive an education.

Lady Qiao didn’t pressure Cai Yan as much to top the list as she did with other students.

However, under Cai Yong’s instruction, whether in memorizing and applying scriptures or in mathematical calculations, Cai Yan excelled far beyond others, making Xu Fu and Fu Gan seem unusually bright but still below her.

This was undoubtedly good news for Lady Qiao!

She not only needed to challenge promising students but also encourage young girls exploring new knowledge.

As Guo Jia accompanied Lady Qiao towards the inner courtyard, he saw a young woman coming out with books, greeting Lady Qiao.

Her demeanor was distinctly confident and open compared to others.

Even though Mi Zhu hadn’t yet seen what was taught in the academy, he couldn’t help but ponder about it.

The academy Lady Qiao established seemed well-run to Guo Jia.

He wondered if he could send his sister here in a couple of years.

With their family’s wealth from Donghai, she could gain confidence and knowledge here, which would be beneficial.

However, he knew he needed to settle matters with Lady Qiao first and stabilize their relationship.

For now, he followed behind quietly as they walked.

Lady Qiao couldn’t take them to the most confidential areas, especially the agricultural section where they were testing a new type of plow.

Nor could they observe the medical section, currently unavailable due to her apprentice Wu Pu.

She led them towards the rear of the academy instead.

Passing by the gate, Guo Jia noticed a plaque with “Dongpo Garden” written by Cai Yong.

He vaguely recalled the name from a previous mention of Dongpo Pork and asked curiously, “Isn’t it too early for a meal?”

Thinking of today’s menu posted at the entrance, mentioning a dish called “Wine Yeast Dumplings” not mentioned by Xi Zhicai, he became intrigued.

But Lady Qiao gave him a strange look and replied, “Why do you say that? East of this garden is named after the Taihang Mountains, but this place is actually the library of the academy.”

Quick on his feet, Guo Jia responded, “Books are nourishment, perhaps that’s why I feel hungry upon entering here, not surprising.”

But before he finished speaking, he met the teasing gaze of Xi Zhicai from Dongpo Garden.

“Books are nourishment?”